Exposures for the Apricot. 203 
which the apricot seems more productive on its own roots than 
on the peach, and in the moister parts of the San Fernando and 
tributary valleys in southern Calitornia the apricot root has re- 
cently advanced in popularity. 
When it is desired to grow the apricot in moister and 
heavier soils than have been described, or where a light soil is 
underlaid by a heavy, retentive subsoil, recourse should be had 
to the plum root. Only a non-suckering plum stock should be 
used. For this purpose the Myrobalan has been considerably 
used. Some growers complain that the root has a dwarfing ef- 
fect on the tree, and object to its use. The manner of securing 
Myrobalan stocks has been described in the chapter on propa- 
gation. 
elpricot on Almond—The almond should as a rule be re- 
jected as a stock for the apricot. Hundreds have tried it, and 
found that the scion never made a good union with the wood of 
the stock, but was knit to it only by the bark, and is, therefore, 
easily broken off by the wind. It may grow well and some- 
times gets to be two or three inches in diameter before it breaks 
off, thus wasting much time for the orchardist. Whole orch- 
ards worked in this way have been a loss and disappointment. 
A few growers, however, approve the almond and use it 
with the idea that it gives larger fruit. J. J. Shaner, of Los 
Gatos, advocates the almond stock for the Royal apricot in dry 
soils. He proceeds, however, by root grafting, instead of bud- 
ding, using the side graft. He cuts off the top of the stock about 
four to six inches above ground, scrapes away the dirt, bends 
the stock, and, with a sharp, thin knife, cuts into the root to the 
center, making the cut perpendicular, so that the graft will be 
that way when inserted. The scion should be made wedge- 
shaped. After insertion, draw the loose earth around it, and the 
work is done until the graft has made a growth of eighteen to 
twenty-four inches. This is given as a record of experience, 
but still caution is urged against the use of the almond as stock 
for the apricot. 
In addition to the specifications of certain stocks for differ- 
ent soils, it may be remarked, in a general way, that the apricot 
seems to thrive better on a tolerably heavy soil, with enough 
sand to make it work easily, than on a very light soil. It does 
well on soil rather too heavy for the peach. It also enjoys 
moisture better and gives signs of distress unless its roots are 
fairly supplied all during the season, but it dislikes standing 
water and should not be planted on undrained situations. 
EXPOSURES FOR THE APRICOT. 
The apricot blooms early; it follows the lead of the almond. 
Thus it runs greater risk than other fruits of frost injuries dur- 
